Publication

Abstract : 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) has gained considerable attention in recent years as a renewable building block chemical for several applications like precursor for bio-polyesters to replace fossil fuel-derived polyesters. In this work, a one-pot synthesis for FDCA from lignocellulosic biomass is developed using a novel catalyst system comprising earth-abundant metal oxides, viz. manganese and iron oxides impregnated on zeolite-5A support. The physicochemical properties of the catalyst were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), H2-temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) and NH3-temperature programmed desorption (NH3-TPD). Compared to unsupported and supported MnO2/Fe2O3 catalysts, the FDCA yield (64.58 %) was higher for Fe-Mn bimetallic zeolite; attributed to the increased catalytic activity resulting from synergism of Fe and Mn oxides in oxygen transfer within the zeolite framework. A plausible reaction mechanism is suggested based on the concentration profile of intermediates formed during the cascade synthesis of FDCA. The structure of FDCA separated from the reaction mixture was confirmed by FTIR and NMR analysis. The catalytic activity and framework of the supported bimetal-oxide catalyst were retained after six consecutive cycles confirming its stability.